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Note: The Eras and years are most often associated with Lionel, but can also serve as a general guideline for the histories of other train makers.
By the late 1960s interest in model trains had waned, with some manufacturers going out of business altogether, and others looking to get out of the business and enter other fields. Lionel was one of the latter, having diversified into other businesses during the ‘60s. In early 1969 Lionel reached an agreement with General Mills to produce Lionel trains under license. General Mills assigned Lionel to its hobby division, Model Products Corporation (MPC), and its initials became the nickname of this era. The 1970s and ‘80s were a period of conservatism in the toy train hobby. Most MPC-era trains were made using Postwar-era designs, but with some slightly updated internal parts. The greatest innovation during this time was the use of more advanced decorating techniques, allowing for the production of highly detailed paint schemes that could not be attempted previously. Over the years, Trainz has bought and sold nearly every MPC-era item produced, and we activately search for MPC-era collections. Trainz usually has many engines, cars, and accessories in stock.
If you don't see what you're looking for here in our store, please check our eBay auctions for MPC Era items.
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